Earth Day Week Project Idea #4: Making Paper

How much paper do you throw out each week? Are you good about using both sides? Is your recycling bin overflowing? Despite the ways in which technology has changed traditional paperflow, paper is ubiquitous. We use paper day in and day out. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest categories of solid waste in the U.S. is paper, and statistics regarding the percentage of landfill taken up by paper, paper products, and packaging materials are eye-opening. Testing alternative methods and approaches to paper production that put various recycled materials to use is something students can do - and can have fun doing. But which materials make the best or strongest paper? This Science Buddies science fair project idea gives students the chance to make their own paper and run their own tests on properties.

In the days leading up to the big game, in the days after, or even during off-season, you can kick around sports science concepts with your student sports fans.

What will you explore for your science project this year? What is your favorite classroom science activity?Email us a short (one to three sentences) summary of your science project or teaching tip. You might end up featured in an upcoming Science Buddies newsletter!

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